Yes, you can send money through MoneyGram directly from your checking account

MoneyGram lets you send money from your checking account in two main ways: through their website or their mobile app. You connect your checking account to MoneyGram once, then use it to send money to people in the United States or abroad. The money comes directly out of your account, and the person receiving it can pick it up at a MoneyGram location, have it deposited into their own bank account, or receive it through a mobile wallet depending on where they live.

This is different from paying with a debit card or credit card — you're sending the actual funds from your account rather than borrowing money or using a card number. The process takes a few minutes to set up the first time, and then future transfers are faster.

Key Takeaways

  • You can link your checking account to MoneyGram online or through their mobile app and send money within minutes.
  • MoneyGram charges a fee for sending money, which varies based on the amount you send and where the recipient receives it.
  • The recipient can pick up cash at a MoneyGram agent location, receive a direct deposit to their bank account, or get the money through a mobile wallet.
  • You will need your checking account number and routing number to connect your account to MoneyGram.

What information you need to send money from your checking account

Before you start, gather these details from your checking account. You will need your account number and routing number — both appear on the bottom left of your checks. If you do not have checks, log into your bank's website or app and look for account details or statements. Your bank can also tell you your routing number by phone.

You will also need the recipient's information: their full name, the country where they will receive the money, and either their address or phone number. If they are receiving the money as a direct deposit to a bank account, you will need their bank account number and routing number as well.

How to set up and send money through MoneyGram online

Go to MoneyGram.com and click "Send Money." Choose "Bank Account" as your payment method. Enter the amount you want to send and select the country where the recipient will receive it. MoneyGram will show you the fee and the exchange rate (if sending internationally) before you commit.

Next, enter the recipient's information and how they want to receive the money — pickup at an agent location, direct deposit to their bank account, or mobile wallet delivery. Then you will connect your checking account by entering your account number, routing number, and the name on the account. MoneyGram will ask for your address and phone number to verify your identity.

After you review all the details, MoneyGram will process the transfer. The money typically leaves your account within one business day, though the exact timing depends on your bank. The recipient can usually pick up cash or receive a deposit within minutes to a few hours, depending on their location and the method they chose.

Sending money through the MoneyGram mobile app

The MoneyGram app works the same way as the website. read it from the Apple App Store or Google Play, create an account, and tap "Send Money." Link your checking account the first time you send, then the app will remember it for future transfers. You can send money just as quickly through the app as you can on the website.

The app also lets you track your transfer in real time and see when the recipient picks up the money or receives a deposit. You can save the recipient's information so you do not have to re-enter it every time you send them money.

What MoneyGram fees look like and how they work

MoneyGram charges a fee for every transfer, and the amount depends on how much money you are sending and where the recipient will receive it. Sending money domestically (within the United States) to a pickup location typically costs less than sending it internationally or to a bank account. You will see the exact fee before you confirm the transfer, so there are no surprises.

If you are sending money internationally, MoneyGram also applies an exchange rate to convert your dollars into the recipient's currency. This rate is set by MoneyGram and may be slightly different from the rate you see on a currency website, because MoneyGram builds in a small margin. Again, you will see the exact amount the recipient gets before you send.

Security and fraud protection when using your checking account

MoneyGram uses encryption to protect your account information when you send it online or through the app, the same technology banks use. Your checking account number and routing number are not stored on MoneyGram's servers after the transfer completes — they are deleted. If you are worried about fraud, you can set up a transfer limit in your MoneyGram account so no single transfer can exceed a certain amount without your approval.

If someone sends you money through MoneyGram and you suspect it is fraudulent, do not pick it up. Contact MoneyGram when ready and they can cancel the transfer and return the money to the sender. If you have already picked up the money, contact your local police and MoneyGram's fraud team.

What to do if your transfer fails or gets delayed

If MoneyGram cannot process your transfer, the most common reason is that your bank rejected it. This can happen if your account does not have enough funds, if your bank has flagged the transaction as unusual, or if there is a mismatch between the name on your account and the name you entered in MoneyGram. Check your bank account to see if the money is still there, then contact your bank to ask why the transfer was blocked.

If the money left your account but the recipient has not received it after the expected time, contact MoneyGram's customer service with your reference number (you get this when you send the money). MoneyGram can trace the transfer and either speed it up or cancel it and refund your account. Keep your reference number until the recipient confirms they have the money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I send money through MoneyGram if my checking account is new?

Yes, but some banks place limits on new accounts. If MoneyGram rejects your transfer, contact your bank and ask if they have a waiting period before allowing transfers to third parties. Once that period ends, you can try again.

What happens if I send money to the wrong person?

If the recipient has not picked up the money yet, contact MoneyGram when ready with your reference number and ask them to cancel the transfer. If the money has already been picked up, you will need to contact the recipient directly to ask them to return it. MoneyGram cannot force a recipient to give money back once it has been collected.

Is there a limit to how much I can send?

MoneyGram has daily and monthly limits that vary by state and by how long you have been a customer. When you start a transfer, MoneyGram will tell you if you have hit your limit. You can usually increase your limit by verifying your identity with a government ID.

Do I need a MoneyGram account to send money from my checking account?

Yes, you need to create a free MoneyGram account on their website or app. You can set it up in a few minutes using your email address and a password. This account is separate from your checking account and is only used to manage your MoneyGram transfers.

Can the recipient pick up the money at any MoneyGram location?

Yes, if you choose the pickup option. MoneyGram has thousands of agent locations worldwide, including grocery stores, pharmacies, and dedicated MoneyGram offices. The recipient can go to any location and provide the reference number you get when you send the money, plus a government ID.